A pioneering multiparty collaboration between academia, government, and industry partners has led to the successful conversion of a 65-seater diesel bus into an electric equivalent. The project marks a significant step forward in respect of South Africa’s transition to sustainable transport.
The project was initiated, funded, and managed by the South African National Energy Development Institute (SANEDI), in partnership with Stellenbosch University (SU), Golden Arrow Bus Services, Rham Equipment, the Department of Science and Innovation, the Department of Electricity and Energy (DEE). The bus was symbolically handed over to Golden Arrow Bus Service on Friday (18 October) at an event that also served as the launch of SU’s Electric Mobility Lab.
The 2005 diesel bus underwent a full retrofit process in which its diesel engine, gearbox, and fuel tank were replaced with an electric motor, control electronics, and high-capacity batteries. Despite the substantial mechanical overhaul, the bus retains the same weight as its original diesel version and has achieved roadworthiness certification. With an estimated range of 200 kilometres, the prototype will now undergo extensive functional and performance testing to assess its viability for daily public transport.
“This conversion project is an important milestone in our efforts to promote cleaner, more sustainable public transport solutions,” said Professor Thinus Booysen, a professor at, and founder of the Electric Mobility Lab at Stellenbosch University’s Faculty of Engineering. “By converting existing diesel buses, we demonstrate how electric mobility can be integrated into South Africa’s transport network without the need for entirely new vehicle fleets. It’s a practical, cost-effective approach that also has significant environmental benefits.”
“SANEDI is proud to support this project, which we believe could set a precedent for future large-scale electric bus conversions in South Africa,” said Dr Neville Smith, Project Manager at SANEDI. “It’s a promising solution for reducing emissions in the transport sector, while also addressing the urgent need for sustainable infrastructure.”
This project aligns with the country’s broader goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and pollution in cities and decreasing reliance on fossil fuels. The conversion of the bus is an excellent example of the circular economy in action, where existing vehicles are repurposed and upgraded rather than discarded. Moreover, the project holds immense potential for reskilling workers in the automotive industry as the country transitions towards electric mobility.
According to Kevin Reynders, the CEO of Rham Equipment, the mining company with years of electric mobility experience, “This milestone marks an exciting new chapter for us as we expand into sustainable transportation solutions, also above ground, that align with the future of energy and mobility.”
The converted bus, which was handed over at the University’s Electric Mobility Day as part of Transport Month, will undergo rigorous testing in the coming months to evaluate its performance, energy consumption, and reliability in real-world conditions. These tests will help to further refine the technology and assess its scalability for future applications in public transport. According to Professor Corne Schutte, Vice Dean of Research at Stellenbosch University’s Faculty of Engineering, “This remarkable collaboration between SANEDI, Rham, Golden Arrow Bus Services and the university highlights the faculty’s commitment to fostering innovation through partnerships, marking a significant milestone in advancing sustainable transport solutions for South Africa’s future.” (Watch the highlights of this milestone event, here.)
As the testing phase continues, the consortium of partners remains committed to advancing South Africa’s electric mobility sector and exploring new opportunities to modernise the country’s public transport system.
• Liaise with Prof Thinus Booysen at 0786383380 for more information
Photograph: Prof Sibusiso Moyo, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Postgraduate Studies and co-founder and CEO of Roam, Filip Lövström in front of the converted bus and the electric bike that recently returned from a 6 000km trip from Nairobi to Stellenbosch.
